Mexico is continuing its battle to contain the spread of a new flu strain but latest reports say up to 81 people may have now died…

With more than 1300 suspected cases, all public places are being closed to limit further infections. The government has also said it will isolate sick people if necessary. But the disease is not just a problem for Mexico. At a special meeting yesterday the World Health Organisation declared it a public emergency of international concern. Bernard Vallet of WHO explained: “Because it is a unique virus which man has not known before, it has acquired a particular pathogenic character. Subsequently we are dealing with people that have not developed anti-bodies to fight infection.” The WHO is coordinating the investigation into the so-called “swine flu”, thought to have mutated from pigs. Although eleven cases have been confirmed in the US and eight school children in New York have suspected symptoms, the good news is that all have successfully recovered.More about: Health

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